Both the Regular and Organic versions of Raisa‘s Coconut Milk are fast becoming popular alternatives to cow’s milk, especially for those of us who don’t appreciate almond, soy or rice milk, for example.

And with reported anti-carcinogenic, anti-microbial, anti-bacterial, and anti-viral properties, here’s to another amazing food from our friend the coconut tree.

Coconut (Cocos nucifera) belongs to the Palm family (Arecaceae), and is grown in abundance in Malaysia, Polynesia and southern Asia. Spanish explorers named the cocos - meaning 'grinning face' - because of the three little eyes on the base which they thought resembled a monkey.

Classed as a fruit but frequently confused for being a nut, the coconut is actually a one-seeded drupe. In Sanskrit, the coconut palm is known as kalpa vriksha - 'tree which gives all that is necessary for living' because nearly all parts can be used, the water, milk, flesh, sugar and oil.

To make Raisa's Coconut Milk, coconut flesh (the white part) is grated and soaked in hot water. The coconut cream rises to the top and is skimmed off. The remaining liquid is squeezed through a filter to extract a white liquid that is the coconut milk.

By repeating this process, the coconut milk becomes thinner. The thicker version is used for desserts and rich sauces. Thin coconut milk is used for cooking curries and soups.

Coconut Milk and Health Facts

Coconut is a dairy free alternative to those who are lactose intolerant and are also allergic to animal milk.

It is known to relieve the symptoms of sore throat.

It is good for the health of skin and hair. Many cosmetic giants use it as a base in products for skin and hair.

It also aids in digestion and is used as a laxative, and is a remedy for urinary and kidney problems.

If the skin has been exposed to the sun for a long period causing a rash or sunburn; coconut milk can be used as an instant healer, with cooling properties that will help ease the dryness and itchiness.

Coconut Milk has Healthy Fats

Coconut milk is a good source of natural fat for the body.

The saturated fat content in coconut is made up of short and medium chain fatty acids.

These fatty acids are quickly converted to energy instead of being stored as fat in the body.

The medium chain fatty acids present in coconut milk are full of lauric acid.

Lauric acid is anti fungal, anti viral and anti microbial, and helps to keep the arteries of the heart clean and healthy.